Michael Penix Jr. wrapped up his standout showing at the University of Washington pro day with a bang. On his final throw, he launched a deep ball that soared an impressive 75 yards, showcasing the arm talent that has him positioned as one of the top quarterback prospects in this year's draft. But the real headline-grabber might have come earlier in the day.
During the workout, Penix blazed through the 40-yard dash in under 4.6 seconds, a feat that likely caught the eye of the NFL scouts in attendance. Some scouts even clocked him at a speedy 4.56 to 4.59 seconds, a testament to his athleticism and speed.
"I'm a 4.4 guy, in my opinion," Penix said confidently after the run. "Some people had me at 4.46, some at 4.5, but that's unofficial. I just wanted to show I can run, and I feel good about it."
Speed has been a topic of discussion surrounding Penix, especially after limited rushing production in previous seasons. However, he put any doubts to rest with his performance, including a 36.5-inch vertical jump and a broad jump of 10 feet, 5 inches, both better than any other quarterback at the combine.
Despite being projected as a top pick, Penix has faced questions about his athleticism. When asked if the talk bothered him, he responded, "I ain't irritated. I just always want to prove myself right. The competitor in me, I'm going to show it, I'm going to showcase it, I'm going to write my own narrative."
His impressive stats back up his confidence. With 67 touchdown passes over the past two seasons, Penix ranks fourth in the nation. Last season alone, he threw 36 TDs, leading the Huskies to the national championship game.
Penix's pro day wasn't just about his physical abilities; it was also a chance for teams to get a feel for his personality. Known for his celebration of pretending to pull an arrow out of a quiver and launching it into the sky, Penix's energy and passion for the game were on full display.
As the day wrapped up, Penix was spotted talking with New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. He also revealed plans for pre-draft visits with the Giants, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Rome Odunze opted out of working out, choosing to rely on his combine performance. Odunze, projected to be an early first-round pick, has visits lined up with the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, and Chicago Bears, among others.
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